Lochcarron artist's new autobiographical graphic novel following experiences of menopause, mental health challenges and recovery
A WESTER Ross-based artist has released a new autobiographical graphic novel following their journey through life experiences including menopause, mental health, trauma and recovery.
Vicky Stonebridge runs Balnacra Pottery in the old Smithy near Lochcarron, and has been involved with comics for decades. Previously, Vicky co-organised a popular comic expo at Eden Court, as well as running comic workshops and offering mentoring for many years.
The colourful graphic novel is the second volume of Stuff that Happened - Home and Away, with the first volume having been published in 2017. This new volume of the series picks up the threads of the previous novel around four years later and takes the form of a diary covering the year 2018.
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'I went through menopause aged 15'
Vicky said: “I feel a need to communicate by drawing and telling stories, but the real life things that happen just feel more authentic and genuine than any fiction I could make. Living where I do is a constant inspiration, and having so many things going on in my life can feel like a lot, by drawing them it helps me process what happens.
"When bad things happen, looking for the funny side of it can really help gain perspective. I get anxious about drawing situations which involve other people, so in this book, people are either disguised, made anonymous, or I have had their permission.
"I am always questioning myself about why I am doing this and whether anyone wants to read it, but after the first book I got so much positive feedback from people who related to things, or it helped them knowing they weren’t alone in their experiences. It is quite a leap of faith and I feel exposed putting it out there, but I hope there are some universal human experiences there, which will resonate with people."
The book first started as a travel diary, when Vicky had what they describe as an "overwhelming ADHD-fuelled mid-life-crisis-style impulse to do some travelling". Vicky went to Austria on a working exchange to assist a lively family at their homestead and ceramics studio. Upon Vicky's return from the trip, they found there was no natural place to stop the diary, so it simply continued.
Many people assume that comics are for children, but as Vicky explains, the graphic novel is through the eyes of a middle-aged person, meaning many of the themes are unlikely to appeal to children.
The book covers difficult life changes such as: menopause, mental health, trauma and recovery, health issues and more.
Retailing at £18.99, you can buy a copy of Stuff that Happened - Home and Away from publisher Markosia UK, directly from Vicky Stonebridge or from online book sellers.
